Apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabrics



Oct. 25, 1955 L. WALMSLEY APPARATUS FOR LIQUID TREATMENT OF TEXTILEFABRICS Filed July 16, 1952 INVENTOR. LESLIE L. WALMSLEV A Tron/v5United States Patent f APPARATUS FOR LIQUID TREATMENT OF TEXTILE FABRICSApplication July 16, 1952, Serial No. 299,067

3 Claims. (Cl. 68-62) This invention relates to apparatus for the liquidtreatment of textile fabrics in continuous fashion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedapparatus for treating textile fabrics while continuously running bymeans of liquids, such as may be used for washing, rinsing, scouring,sthenosizing, bleaching, dyeing, conditioning, softening, lubricating,setting or pro-setting, or several of such treatments simultaneously. Anancillary object is to provide an apparatus of versatile character whichis adapted to dye and simultaneously subject the fabric to any one ormore of the above-mentioned treatments, such as setting or pre-setting.Another object is to provide an apparatus of this type for effecting theliquid treating operation or operations in an efiicient and uniformmanner. Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of thistype which is adapted to carry out one or more of the above-mentionedoperations simultaneously in either concurrent or countercurrent flowrelationship between the liquid treating bath and the fabric. Otherobjects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedrawing and the description thereof hereinafter.

In the drawing, which is illustrative of the invention,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the inventionwith the nearest side Wall of the vessel removed to expose the contentsthereof, and

Figure 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

As shown, a fabric supply roll 3 is replaceably and rotatably mounted ona pair of spaced brackets 4 secured to a fixed support such as the endwall of the bath container or tank 5. The container 5 may be followed byone or more subsequent treating containers 6 and the fabric dischargedfrom the system proceeds to a take-up roll 7 supported on suitablebearings 8 adjacent the end of the machine. The containers 5 and 6 aresomewhat wider than the widest fabric that it is desired to handle sothat the fabric may be treated in a fully open width. By width is meantthe width either of a flat fabric or of a tubular fabric when flattenedout. The apparatus is adapted to handle either a flat or tubular fabricof woven, knitted, or other construction.

In the main treating container 5, the liquid is adapted to assume alevel indicated at 9 under the control of an overflow pipe 10. Means isprovided at the entrance of container 5 for feeding the fabricthereinto. This means may comprise a roll or reel 11 extendingsubstantially the full width of the container supported between bearings12 mounted on fixed parts such as the side walls of the container 5.Adjacent the other end wall of the container 5 there is mounted a drivendischarge means, such as the reel or roll 13 mounted in suitablebearings 14 which are supported on the side Walls of the container 5.

The container 5 is preferably quite shallow such as from one to two feetin depth when it is of a length on the order of six to twenty feet ormore. It also has a fiat bottom disposed horizontally or substantiallyso. Midway between the liquid level as determined by the overflow pipeopening and the floor of the tank 5, there is provided 2,721,465Patented- Oct. 25, 1955 ICC a horizontal or substantially horizontalpartition 15 which extends longitudinally of the vessel 5 but terminatesshort of the end walls by a distance at least its distance above thefloor. The plate 15 is unperforated and flat throughout its area andextends the full width or substantially the full width of the vessel 5as measured in the plane of the plate. It is flat throughout its areaand its upper face should be smooth. The plate may be supported by anysuitable means such as bars, rods, or angle irons 16 which are fastenedto the side walls of the tank 5 and project inwardly under suflicientwidth of the plate to give it the necessary rigidity. The members 16 mayextend completely across the tank as shown. The downwardly projectingwebs of members 16 are preferably made as shallow as is consistent withthe necessary strength required to support the plate. For this purpose alarger number of transverse members 16 may be used to provide the propersupport of heavier plates when such are employed so as to avoid increasein the depth of the downwardly projecting webs of such members. Thepurpose of the plate or partition 15 is to divide the container 5essentially into two main channels, one above the other, extending thefull length of the container except at the ends of the plate adjacentthe ends of the container 5 where the two channels communicate with eachother. The position of plate 15 should be from two-fifths tothree-fifths of the depth of liquid in the container 5 to properlyperform this function in an efficient manner.

Means is provided for submerging the fabric as it passes through thevessel 5. This means may comprise a plate supported above and parallelto the plate 15 or it may comprise fixed or movable surfaces, such asthe surfaces of a plurality of cylindrical members, such as rolls orrods 17, which extend parallel to each other transversely of the vessel.Any number of such rolls may be used and they may have any size desiredprovided they are completely submerged when positioned just above theplate 15. Preferably their diameters do not exceed half the depth of theplate 15. A tangent to their lower peripheries is preferably parallel tothe plate 15 and in close proximity thereto but sufliciently spaced toallow free passage of the fabric therebetween. A spacing of /2 to 1 inchor so between the surface of plate 15 and the tangent to the bottoms ofmembers 17 is generally quite satisfactory.

The fabric proceeds from the supply roll 3 about the driven reel 11 downunder the guide means 17 and then up over the discharge reel 13. It maythen proceed about a fixed rod or rotor 18 which may be idle or drivenand if it is desired to pass it through subsequent baths such as thosein container 6, it may be passed under one or more fixed or rotatableguide members 19 (two being shown) and then discharged by a drivenroller or reel 20 supported in bearings 21 on the opposite side walls ofthe respective tank 6. From the final one of such tanks 6, the fabricproceeds to the take-up 7.

Means is provided for circulating the liquid within the Vessel either ina concurrent or countercurrent direction relative to the path of thefabric. This circulating means may comprise means I for introducingadditional fluid, such as steam or hot water. For example a supply pipe22 may be connected by branch pipes 23 and 24 controlled by valves 25and 26 respectively to submerged headers 27 and 28 respectively at eachend of the tank 5. As shown, these headers are near the bottom of thetank adjacent the end walls and they extend a considerable distanceacross the width of the tank. Discharge branches 29 and 3% are connectedto the headers 27 and 28 respectively. These branches are spacedlongitudinally of the respective headers so as to distribute the fluid,for example steam, across the width of the tank. These branches arepreferably symmetrically distributed relative to the Width of the tankto effect a uniform distribution across the width. They are preferablyopen at their ends so as to discharge the fluid in jets or streamsdirected generally longitudinally of the channel beneath the platewithin which the branches are disposed. The length of the branches 29and 30 are preferably at least sufficient to extend to the vicinity of avertical plane through the closest end of the plate 15. Thus, pipes 29should extend at least to a point near the right end of plate 15 whereasbranches 30 should extend at least to a point near the left end of plate15 as viewed in Figure 1, such branches in both cases being disposedbeneath, or at a lower level than, the plate. Depending upon whethercountercurrent or concurrent flow is desired, valve 26 or valverespectively is opened, the other being closed.

This system comprising pipes 29 or pipes 30 may be used to introducesteam, hot water or other hot liquids when it is desired to maintain aheated bath, as in dyeing, setting, or pre-setting and dyeing or settingand presetting. On the other hand, it may be any other liquid such as asolution comprising formaldehyde or other reactant intended to reactchemically with the fibers of the fabric as in the case of thesthenosization of cellulosic fabrics.

The system may also comprise means for removing a part of the body ofliquid within the container 5, for recirculating the liquid removedwhile introducing into it any desired ingredient or composition, such asa dyestuff, a dyeing composition, a size, softener, lubricant, finish orthe like or mixtures thereof. This system may comprise a circulatingpump 31, the suction side of which is connected by the conduit 32 to anopening 33 in the vessel 5. This opening 33 should be below the liquidlevel and as specifically shown, it is in the bottom thereof. A T 34connects a branch 35 to the pipe 32 and this branch 35 may be open atthe top where it is provided with a flared, funnel-like entrance 36adapted to receive the ingredient or composition desired to beintroduced for replenishing, fortifying, or modifying the bath containedin the vessel 5. Preferably, the top opening of 36 is above the level inthe container 5 as determined by the overflow 10 so that When the pump31 is stopped, there is no need to close the pipe 35. If 36 is placed ata lower level, a valve should be inserted in the pipe 35 to. preventoverflow when the pump is not operating. The discharge side of the pumpis connected to a pipe 37 which is connected to a lateral pipe 38extending lengthwise alongside the top of the container 5 and to a pipe39- extending across the vessel and connected to a lateral pipe 40extending lengthwise of the vessel alongside the other side wall thereofgenerally parallel to pipe 38. The pipe 40 is provided with valves 41and 42 on opposite sides of the juncture of pipe 39 therewith and thepipe 38 is provided with valves 43 and 44 on opposite sides of itsjuncture with pipes 37 and 39. The laterals 38 and 40 are connected todownwardly extending pipes 45 in the corners of the vessel 5. The pairof pipes. 45 at each end of the vessel are connected by a transversepipe 46 which may be provided either with perforations along its lengthor, as shown, with a plurality of. branches 47 and 48. The branches 47extend from the pipe 46 at the left of the apparatus as viewed inFigures 1 and 2 and the pipes 48 extend from the pipe 46 at the rightend of Figures 1 and 2. Like branches 29 and 30, branches 47 and 48 aresymmetrically disposed with respect to the width of the tank and extendat least to a point adjacent the nearest end of plate 15. Branches 47and 48 are also open at their ends so as to direct the liquid jets orstreams in a direction generally longitudinally of the channel belowplate 15. By closing valves 41 and 43 and opening valves 42 and 44,concurrent flow may be obtained during the circulation through pipes 48whereas by opening valves 41 and 43 and closing valves 42. and44countercurrent flow may be obtained. The

recirculating. system comprising pump. 31 may. be used simultaneouslywith the circulating system derivedfrom either of headers 27 and 28 orthe first circulating system may be used at one time and the othercomprising either of headers 27 and 28 may be used at another timeduring the operation of the machine.

When certain types of fabric are treated, it may be necessary to providemeans for spreading the fabric out and particularly for uncurling curlededges when tricot knit fabrics are to be handled. For accomplishing thispurpose, the following means may be provided. A smooth-surfaced flatplate 49 is mounted in the vessel 5 on one or more transverse supports,such as the angle iron 59 secured at its ends to the side walls of thevessel 5. The plate 49 is inclined generally in a direction that wouldbe taken by the fabric as it proceeds downwardly from the feed rotor 11to the space between plate 15 and the nearest member 17. It extends froma point well above the surface of the bath in container 5 to a pointadjacent the upper surface of the plate 15 and inward from the end ofplate 15. The plate 49 may be perforated if desired but is preferablyunperfor'ate'd. Plate 49 is preferably narrower than the width of thecontainer 5 (while still being as wide as the widest fabric to betreated) and centered transversely of the container to provideapproximately equal distances between its side edges and the side wallsof the container to provide passages for the liquid to flow around theplate. This avoids turbulence of the liquid as it passes around theedges of plate 49. Inclined pipes 51 and 52' above the plate 49 aremounted in close proximity thereto and are inclined downwardly generallyparallel to theplate and have a plurality of perforations 53 disposedalong their length in such a manner as to direct fluid jets such as'jetsof air outwardly and downwardly toward the edges of the fabric passingover the plate beneath the pipes. As shown, the pipes 51 and 52gradually diverge (Figure 2) in the direction of travel of the fabric sothat the fluid jets discharged thereby gradually move their zones ofmaximum force outwardly to compensate-for the ever widening of thefabric resulting from the rapid uncurling of the edges by the jets. Theythereby maintain the opened width of the fabric as it passes into theliquid bath. The pipes 51 and 52 are connected together by a commonheader 54 which is connected to a supply pipe 55 connected to a sourceof compressed air. For certain purposes, the pipe 55 may be connectedeither to a source of air or of liquid such as water, either cold orhot, but for dyeing, it is desirable to use compressed air exclusively.Rods 72 and 73 extend transversely across the top of container 5, beingsupported in suitable brackets on the side walls of the container. Theserods extend through ears or lugs of the fittings 74 whichadjustably'support the pipes 51 and 52 so'th at the' latter pipes may beadjusted to various positions across the container to accommodatedifferent fabric widths and also to various positions relative to theliquid level9 from the position above the liquid level shown in' solid"lines, which is preferred for dyeing as it avoids turbulence to thedotted line position where they extend well below theliquid level andclose to the member 17 The several reels 11, 13 and 20 are driven by anysuitable means such as by means of the gear box 56' which is drivenbyasprocke't or other means 57 operated from a power source'not shown.From gear box 56, the sprocket 58 is connectedby a chain 59 to asprocket 60 for drivingthe reel 11; Sprocket 61' is connected by chain62 to a sp'rocket63' for driving the reel 13 and a sprocket 64 at theother end of the shaft carrying reel 13 is connected by' a chain 65"tothe sprocket 66 on the reel 20. The supply reel 3 may be'driven from thereel 12 by means of a sprocket 67 connected by a chain 68 to a sprocket69 on the shaft of the supply roll 3. The reels 11 and 13 may be drivenat the same speed, or at different speeds, for example, with-reel 13going either faster or slower than reel 11, to provide for treatmentunder any desired tension condition including a complete lack of tensionsuflicient to allow shrinkage as Well as sufiicient tension to inducelongitudinal stretching of the fabric as it proceeds through the bath.

A pipe 70 having the connection 71 to container 5 may be provided tofacilitate the introduction of water or other liquid as desired.

The subsequent bath or baths 6 may be used for cooling, rinsing,neutralizing, or any other subsequent treatment desired. It or they mayalso be used for applying one or more finishing materials such as asoftener or lubricator after the first liquid treatment in the vessel 5.

It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in theappended claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for the liquid treatment of textile fabrics comprising acontainer for a liquid treating bath having a floor, side walls, and endwalls, a single horizontal flat plate in the container having its Widthextending substantially the full width of the container and its endsterminating a distance from the end walls of the container at least asgreat as the height of the plate above the floor of the container, guidemeans in the container and above the plate for maintaining the fabricsubmerged in the bath along a path above the plate, circulating meansfor the treating bath comprising a discharge header extendingtransversely of the container near one end Wall thereof at a level belowthat of the plate and a plurality of branch pipes extending from theheader generally parallel to the plate toward the other end wall fordirecting fluid streams toward the latter Wall of the container, and anintake for the circulating means positioned at the bottom of thecontainer adjacent one end thereof.

2. Apparatus for the liquid treatment of textile fabrics comprising acontainer for a liquid treating bath having a floor, side walls, and endwalls, a generally horizontal flat plate in the container having itswidth extending substantially the full width of the container and itsends terminating a distance from the end walls of the container at leastas great as the height of the plate above the floor of the container,guide means in the container and above the plate for maintaining thefabric submerged in the bath along a path above the plate, a pump havingits suction side connected to the container below the liquid leveltherein, and a discharge conduit for said pump positioned to directliquid into the center of the container below the plate.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 having a rotor for feeding thefabric into the container, a rotor for withdrawing fabric from thecontainer, means for driving the rotors at predetermined relativespeeds, an inclined plate extending from a point adjacent the feedingrotor to a point above and adjacent the horizontal plate, a pair ofinclined fluid jets disposed above the inclined plate and having theirorifices arranged to direct the jets outwardly and downwardly againstthe inclined plate, means for axially adjusting the jets from a positionin which the orifices are entirely above the bath to a position in whichthe orifices are below the surface of the bath.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re.11,620 Le Blois July 13, 1897 101,812 Baker Apr. 12, 1870 603,915Melrose May 10,1898 608,194 Greenwood Aug. 2, 1898 673,125 Jones Apr.30,1901

1,294,455 Hardy Feb. 18,1919 1,555,673 Jensen Sept. 29,1925 1,598,627Voegeli Sept. 7,1926 1,883,597 Cowles Oct. 18,1932 1,896,954 Heap Feb.7,1933 2,267,117 Mann Dec. 23, 1941 2,344,557 Mann Mar. 21,19442,513,057 Sehrenk June 27, 1950 2,516,268 Spalding July 25, 19502,613,522 Heifelfinger Oct. 14,1952

2. APPARATUS FOR THE LIQUID TREATMENT OF TEXTILE FABRICS COMPRISING ACONTANER FOR A LIQUID TREATING BATH HAVING A FLOOR, SAID WALLS, AND ENDEALLS, A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL FLAT PLATE IN THE CONTAINER HAVING ITSWIDTH EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY THE FULL WIDTH OF THE CONAINER AND ITSENDS TERMINATING A DISTANCE FROM THE END WALLS OF THE CONTAINER AT LEASTAS GREAT AS THE HEIGHT OF THE PLATE ABOVE THE FLOOR OF THE CONTANER,GUIDE MEANS IN THE CONTAINER AND ABOVE THE PLATE FOR MAINTAINING THEFABRIC SUBMERGED IN THE BATH ALONG A PATH ABOVE THE PLATE, A PUMP HAVINGITS SUCTION SIDE CONNECTED TO THE CONTAINER BELOW THE LIQUID LEVELTHEREIN, AND A DISCHARGE CONDUIT FOR SAID PUMP POSITIONED TO DIRECTLIQUID INTO THE CENTER OF THE CONTAINER BELOW THE PLATE.